The father of murdered teenager Austin Metcalf made a heartbreaking five-word demand to his son's convicted killer.

Karmelo Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison after being convicted of murdering high school athlete Austin Metcalf.

The 19-year-old broke down in tears as the sentence was handed down in a Texas courtroom on Tuesday (June 9), where Austin's family delivered emotional victim impact statements directly to him.

Karmelo Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison. Credit: Frisco Police Department

'Look me in the eyes'

One of the most powerful moments in the courtroom came when Austin's father, Jeff Metcalf, demanded that Anthony look at him as he described the devastation caused by his son's death.

"You're going to prison," Jeff told Anthony, per Daily Mail. "You can't even look me in the eyes right now, but you can stab my f**king son in the heart."

Anthony kept his head down as Austin's loved ones continued to speak about the impact of losing the 17-year-old, who was fatally stabbed during a high school track meet in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025.

"If you ask me what my son's death did to me, I would tell you it destroyed the person I used to be. Not changed me, destroyed me," Jeff told the courtroom.

The grieving father said he forgave Anthony "the day it happened" but would never forgive "what you did."

He also spoke about missing out on seeing his son grow up and admitted he wished he had been there to protect him.

"People think that grief is sadness but it's not. It's rage! Pure unfiltered rage," Jeff shouted. "My son's death didn't just break my heart... It destroyed my sense of safety, my faith in people."

The father also rejected suggestions that the case was about race, telling the court it was instead about accountability.

"We're all humans. We all bleed the same color," he said, before turning back to Anthony, and adding: "You're free to make choices all you want, but you're not free from those consequences. You will face those consequences starting today.

"You failed your parents, you failed yourself and you failed society. You don't belong in this community," he added.

Austin Metcalf was killed. Credit: GoFundMe

Austin's twin brother speaks directly to Anthony

Austin's identical twin brother, Hunter Metcalf, also asked Anthony to make eye contact with him.

"If you could just look me in the eye while I speak, I would really respect that," he said.

Anthony continued looking down as Hunter described the future that had been stolen from his family.

"You took a son, a brother, a friend, and my best friend, from this world," he said. "You took someone from me who was supposed to be an uncle, godfather to my kids. Now I want everything taken from you."

Hunter said Anthony had let "the devil" take over during the confrontation.

"Eventually your name will be forgotten, but my brother's memory will live on," he continued. "I always say 'An eye for an eye,' but you still have air to breathe while my brother is six feet under."

He also shared how his mother cries herself to sleep and how he wakes up every day to find Austin's bedroom door still shut.

Austin's mother, Meghan Metcalf, told the court she had been left "crushed" by her son's death.

"Seeing my loving son, his identical twin, lose the most important person in his life, it crushes you as a mother," she said.

She described Austin as a teenager who brought people together. "He was the peacemaker, the protector," she added.

Addressing Anthony directly, she said: "There is a part of him you can never take away from me or anyone who loves Austin. What it meant to be loved by him. It's the love that I can continue to have in my heart.

"He was taken from us just as he was starting to really live," she continued. "You may have just been given a sentence of 35 years behind bars, but you can consider yourself lucky because I've been sentenced to a lifetime without my son."

The late Austin Metcalf with his father. Credit: GoFundMe

Jury rejects attempt to reduce sentence

Anthony faced between five and 99 years in prison after being found guilty of murder.

His lawyers argued that he acted under "sudden passion," a legal defense in Texas that can reduce the severity of a sentence.

Defense attorney Mike Howard claimed Anthony "didn't have time for cool reflection," arguing: "He acted in that moment and sudden passion applies."

But prosecutor Bill Wirskye disagreed. "Sudden passion doesn't fit here. They've got it wrong," he said. "Sudden passion is when the victim, the dead person provokes. Who caused this? Not Austin Metcalf, Karmelo Anthony did."

Jurors ultimately rejected the argument before sentencing Anthony to 35 years behind bars.

What happened to Austin Metcalf?

Prosecutors said the late teenager was stabbed during an argument under a tent at a high school track meet in Frisco.

Anthony claimed he acted in self-defense, but witnesses testified that he was the aggressor and told Austin: "Touch me and see what happens."

According to testimony, Austin pushed Anthony before Anthony pulled out a folding knife and stabbed him once in the chest.

A medical examiner testified that the knife pierced Austin's chest bone and punctured the right side of his heart.

Jurors were also shown police body camera footage of Hunter desperately trying to save his brother.

Anthony will have to serve at least half of his 35 year sentence before becoming eligible for parole.

Featured image credit: GoFundMe

The mother of the late Austin Metcalf spoke directly to the man who fatally stabbed her son before he was sentenced.

Karmelo Anthony, 19, was sentenced to 35 years in prison on Tuesday (June 9) after being convicted of murdering Metcalf at a high school athletics event.

The teenager broke down in tears after the sentence was handed down in a Texas courtroom, as Metcalf's family delivered emotional statements about their son, directly to him.

His father, Jeff, delivered a powerful message, stating that "you can't even look me in the eyes right now, but you can stab my f**king son in the heart."

Meghan, the mother of the victim, also delivered an emotional statement in court following the sentencing, speaking about how she feels now that her son is gone.

Austin Metcalf was killed by Karmelo Anthony at a high school track meet. Credit: GoFundMe

Austin Metcalf's mother's message to Karmelo Anthony

Speaking directly to the murderer, she said, as per CBS News: "Now my conversations with him are one-sided, sitting at his grave...

"I have to accept that instead of walking beside me, he's walking above me."

She added: “Going into an empty room, empty bed, and once again remembering Austin is dead.”

Meghan said that her son was a "morning kid" and a "hugger," and said the teen "always had a way of bringing people together. He was a peacemaker."

"My son was murdered. He didn't just die," she said about the events leading to his death, admitting that the biggest challenge has been dealing with the loss daily.

Speaking directly to Anthony, she added as per WFAA: "You should feel lucky you got 35 because I’ve been given a life sentence," Meghan added of the sorrow she feels over Metcalf's death.

The statement was made after the jury delivered the sentence, with Metcalf's twin brother and father also making victim impact statements.

Austin Metcalf's family made emotional statements at Anthony's sentencing. Credit: Meghan Prall Metcalf/Facebook

Austin's father speaks directly to Anthony

One of the most emotional moments in the courtroom came when Austin's father, Jeff Metcalf, demanded that Anthony look at him as he described the devastation caused by his son's death.

"You're going to prison," Jeff told Anthony, per the Daily Mail. "You can't even look me in the eyes right now, but you can stab my f**king son in the heart."

Anthony kept his head down as Austin's loved ones spoke about the impact of losing the 17-year-old, who was stabbed to death in Frisco, Texas, in April 2025.

"If you ask me what my son's death did to me, I would tell you it destroyed the person I used to be. Not changed me, destroyed me," Jeff told the courtroom.

The grieving father said that while he forgave Anthony "the day it happened," he would never forgive "what you did."

He also spoke about missing out on seeing his son grow up and admitted he wished he had been there to protect him.

"People think that grief is sadness, but it's not. It's rage! Pure unfiltered rage," Jeff shouted.

"My son's death didn't just break my heart... It destroyed my sense of safety, my faith in people."

"We're all humans. We all bleed the same color," he said about the case being about race, before turning back to Anthony and adding: "You're free to make choices all you want, but you're not free from those consequences. You will face those consequences starting today.

"You failed your parents, you failed yourself, and you failed society. You don't belong in this community," he also stated.

Featured image credit: Meghan Prall Metcalf/Facebook

Cardi B has spoken out after Karmelo Anthony was convicted of murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of Texas teenager Austin Metcalf.

The 33-year-old rapper shared her reaction shortly after a Collin County jury delivered its verdict on June 9, finding Anthony guilty over the death of Metcalf during a confrontation at a Frisco track meet in April 2025.

Taking to X, Cardi wrote: "Wow! Just freakin wow! DISGUSTING… This is not justice, this is trying to make an example!!!"

She later expanded on her views during a Spaces conversation, where she questioned both the verdict and the length of Anthony's sentence.

Cardi B has spoken out after Karmelo Anthony was convicted of murder. Credit: Chance Yeh / Getty

Cardi B says both families have suffered

Anthony and Metcalf were both 17 years old when the incident took place.

During the discussion, Cardi said she felt sympathy for both families involved, arguing that while Austin's parents had "lost a child," Anthony's parents had "lost a child to the system," per BET.

The Grammy-winning artist described Anthony as someone who came from a supportive family and said his emotional reactions after the stabbing and during sentencing did not match someone she believed acted with murderous intent.

She also argued that the sentence was too severe. Cardi said manslaughter would have been a more appropriate charge because she did not believe there was evidence of premeditation, calling the 35-year sentence "extremely excessive" for a teenager with no prior criminal record.

Karmelo Anthony will spend at least 35 years in prison. Credit: Collin County

Race and self-defense at the center of debate

The rapper also addressed race while discussing the case. "If Anthony was white and he was surrounded by a whole bunch of Black football players and two twins, the case would have went extremely different," she said.

She added: "I sure learned something from this. I learned to tell my sons: do not argue with no white boys, 'cuz baby ain't no law protecting you if something goes down with them."

Cardi also argued Anthony had been acting in self-defense. "He was surrounded, he was protecting himself. Austin was twice his size," she said.

She further questioned whether the confrontation could have been avoided, suggesting a coach should have been brought in to handle the situation.

Austin Metcalf was stabbed to death. Credit: GoFundMe

The jury reached a guilty verdict

Throughout the trial, prosecutors argued that Anthony unnecessarily escalated a dispute that began beneath a team tent during the track meet before using deadly force.

Defense attorneys maintained that Anthony feared for his safety and acted in self-defense when the encounter became physical.

As public discussion intensified, Austin's father, Jeff Metcalf, urged people not to turn the tragedy into a racial issue.

"This was not a race thing. This is not a political thing. Please do not comment if you do not know what happened," he previously said. "This is a human being thing. This person made a bad choice and it affected both his family and my family forever."

Following the verdict, Anthony reportedly broke down in tears as deputies took him into custody.

His parents, Kala Hayes and Andrew, were also visibly emotional in court.

Before sentencing, Hayes pleaded with jurors for mercy. "Please have mercy on my son. He's my oldest. He'll always be my baby. I love him very much," she said.

She added: "I know my son, he's very sorry for what he did."

Austin Metcalf (right) with his father. Credit: GoFundMe

Family's emotional victim impact statements

Metcalf's father addressed Anthony directly. "You're going to prison. You can't even look me in the eyes right now, but you can stab my f***ing son in the heart," he said.

"People think that grief is sadness but it's not," he continued. "It's rage. Pure unfiltered rage."

"You're free to make choices all you want, but you're not free from those consequences. You will face those consequences starting today," the father said. "You failed your parents, you failed yourself and you failed society. You don't belong in this community."

Austin's twin brother Hunter also spoke directly to Anthony. "If you could just look me in the eyes while I speak, I would really respect that," he said.

"You let the devil take over in that moment. Eventually your name will be forgotten, but my brother's memory will live on," he said. "You took a son, a brother, a friend, and my best friend from this world."

Austin's mother, Meghan, added: "You may have just been given a sentence of 35 years behind bars, but you can consider yourself lucky because I've been sentenced to a lifetime without my son."

Anthony is currently serving his sentence and could become eligible for parole after serving half of his 35-year prison term under Texas law.

Featured image credit: Marc Piasecki / Getty

The murder trial of Karmelo Anthony has begun in Texas, with prosecutors revealing the final words spoken by 17-year-old Austin Metcalf after he was stabbed during a high school track meet.

Anthony, now 19, is charged with first-degree murder over the fatal stabbing at Kuykendall Stadium in Frisco on April 2 last year. He has pleaded not guilty and claims he acted in self-defense following a dispute over seating at the event.

Per The Daily Mail, during opening statements on Thursday, Collin County First Assistant District Attorney Bill Wirskye told jurors that Metcalf realized he had been stabbed before lifting his shirt and saying: "I've been stabbed."

Prosecutors said the teenager then tumbled down several rows of bleachers as his twin brother, Hunter, rushed to help him.

Austin Metcalf. Credit: GoFundMe

Prosecutors outline their case

Wirskye told the court that Anthony used a folding knife during the confrontation and later discarded the weapon before leaving the scene.

According to prosecutors, Anthony attempted to blend into groups of students fleeing the stadium after the incident.

"If you're scared and running away in self-defense, why toss the knife?" the prosecutor said.

"That knife wasn't used to protect him from harm. That knife was used to harm another. Find this man guilty of first-degree murder," he continued, pointing at Anthony.

The prosecution also argued that race should not be considered when evaluating the evidence.

"This case has nothing to do with race," Collin County First Assistant District Attorney Bill Wirskye said.

Anthony had his knife ready to stab Austin Metcalf in a "surprise attack," the prosecutor claimed.

"That's why we are here, no other reason," Wirskye said. "This killing, this murder is just senseless."

Defense claims Metcalf initiated the confrontation

Anthony's attorney Mike Howard presented a different version of events, arguing that his client acted after being confronted by Metcalf and his brother.

"'What's important to know is Melo is 5'8" and 140 pounds. Hunter and Austin Metcalf are 6'1' about 80 pounds heavier than Melo," defense attorney Mike Howard said, referring to Anthony by his nickname.

Karmelo Anthony. Credit: Frisco Police Department

"What you will hear is that Melo remained seated, even when Austin and Hunter stood up," Howard continued.

"It is uncontroverted that Austin makes the first physical contact. Austin grabs, punches, pushes. In that split second, Melo has a decision to make, how and when to act."

Howard also described Anthony as a strong student with a 3.7 GPA who played multiple sports and held two jobs, while telling jurors there had been "a lot of noise" and "a lot of completely false information" surrounding the case.

Jury expected to hear from dozens of witnesses

The trial is expected to last around two weeks, with prosecutors planning to present surveillance footage that allegedly captured the incident.

"The video will tell the story," Wirskye said. "The facts of this case are as simple as this act was senseless."

More than 35 witnesses are expected to testify, including student athletes, coaches and Austin Metcalf's twin brother Hunter, who was with him in his final moments.

If convicted of first-degree murder, Anthony faces a sentence ranging from five years to 99 years in prison.

Featured image credit: GoFundMe

Karmelo Anthony has filed an appeal against his murder conviction less than a day after being sentenced to 35 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of Texas teenager Austin Metcalf.

Court records obtained by TMZ show that Anthony's legal team submitted a notice of appeal shortly after a jury delivered its verdict. The move marks the next phase in a case that has drawn national attention since the deadly confrontation at a high school track and field event in Frisco, Texas, on April 2, 2025.

Metcalf, 17, died after suffering a single stab wound to the chest during an altercation with Anthony under a tent at Kuykendall Stadium. The Frisco Memorial High School junior died in the arms of his twin brother. Anthony, who was 17 at the time of the incident, maintained that he acted in self-defense.

Karmelo Anthony. Credit: Collin County

Defense team begins appeal process

Anthony's attorney, Mike Howard, confirmed that the defense had formally notified the court of its intention to challenge the conviction.

“After the conclusion of the trial yesterday, we gave the court our official notice that Karmelo Anthony is filing an appeal,” Howard told TMZ.

“We believe there are several important issues for the appellate courts to consider.

“An appeal is the next part of the legal process and a right afforded every American.”

The appeal announcement came after Dominique Alexander of the Next Generation Action Network revealed that his organization had provided the first $10,000 toward securing appellate representation.

Speaking to reporters after sentencing, Alexander said: “I respected this process. I allowed and called for peace in this process.

“But Black America should be very upset about what went on today.

“I’m only an advocacy leader. I’m not an attorney. I can only help families navigate these processes when they find themselves in these types of situations.

“I can only allow lawyers to be what they are – lawyers. I can’t instruct them, I can’t stop them from doing anything. I have to respect the process just like anybody else.

“But what we saw today was flawed, unjust, and I can ask that the community continue to pray for the Anthony family.”

Austin Metcalf. Credit: GoFundMe

Family and supporters react to sentencing

Following Anthony's transfer to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, family members and supporters publicly voiced their support.

His girlfriend, Valeria Perez, shared an emotional TikTok post that included photos from their relationship and the message: “Hold your head high, my sweet boy.”

“You’re not alone we’re fighting for you. I love you more than words,” Perez added.

Anthony's mother, Kala Hayes, also addressed the verdict on social media, writing: “But GOD……. The fight is not over. “It has just BEGUN.”

His uncle, Andre Anthony, posted: “What ever [sic] it takes … #FREEMELO.”

Meanwhile, TMZ reported that Metcalf's family was "very happy" with both the guilty verdict and Anthony's sentence.

Outside the Collin County Courthouse, tensions remained high after the sentencing. Anthony's grandmother, Toni Hayes, was captured on video shouting, “Racist! Bias!” from a vehicle as protesters gathered nearby.

Fundraiser closes after conviction

As the appeal process begins, Anthony's family is also set to receive more than $635,000 from an online fundraiser launched following his arrest.

The U.S. Sun reported that the campaign, created by Kala Hayes, surpassed $635,000 before it was closed by crowdfunding platform GiveSendGo after Anthony's conviction.

In a statement to the outlet, GiveSendGo said: “This campaign was created to support pre-trial needs, and those funds were disbursed over the past year for lawful purposes including legal defense and family relocation.

“With that stated purpose now complete, the campaign has been closed the funds will be paid out.

“Our policy is that a campaign’s stated purpose stays accurate so givers always know what they are supporting.

“Our prayer is for Austin Metcalf’s family, for all those affected, and for justice, mercy, and peace in our community.”

GiveSendGo founder Jacob Well separately confirmed that the family would receive the money in full.

According to organizers, the funds were intended to help cover legal expenses, relocation costs, basic living expenses, and security measures. Before the campaign was shut down, supporters continued contributing toward a fundraising goal of $1.39 million.

Featured image credit: Frisco Police Department